ALAN Smith realises he does not need to look very far if he wants to discover the best way of becoming an adequate replacement for Roy Keane.

ALAN Smith realises he does not need to look very far if he wants to discover the best way of becoming an adequate replacement for Roy Keane.

The abrasive Manchester United striker has been switched into central midfield by Sir Alex Ferguson as part of experiment to eventually find someone to fill the massive hole Keane will leave behind.

Although Ferguson remains hopeful of persuading his captain to extend his current contract, which runs out next summer, the Red Devils chief knows the time is drawing near when he will have to do without Keane for good.

A number of candidates have already been tried and cast aside while any hope of luring Michael Essien to Old Trafford has been dashed by Chelsea's vast wealth.

Having decided to look for alternatives within his squad, Ferguson has settled on Smith, whose combative nature at least rivals that of Keane.

After performing well in the second half of Saturday's 2-0 win over Hong Kong, Smith is likely to find himself in the same position again tonight when United take on Beijing Hyundai in the second match of their Far East tour.

The former Leeds forward is relishing the challenge, and admits the finer points of the midfielder's art he can pick up by studying Keane himself.

"A lot of people have spoken about me taking over from Roy Keane," said Smith.

Respect

"I don't know about that, but he is probably the best player in this country in central midfield so if the manager wants me to play there, I don't have to watch anyone else.

"I have a lot of respect for Roy, both as a player and a captain. He doesn't mind making tackles and neither do I and there is no-one else I would prefer to learn from."

The move could be just what Smith needs to reignite a United career which appears to have reached a crossroads.

Although he remains a favourite of Ferguson, and there was never any likelihood of the 23-year-old leaving for Newcastle, Everton, Bolton or any of the other clubs linked to him during the summer, the presence of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney in United's squad, plus the preferred tactic of playing a single striker accompanied by two wide players definitely restricts his appearances.

Smith was a non-playing substitute in May's FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal and he admits his major target is just to force his way into the team.

"I will play in any position," he admitted.

"The most important thing is that you are doing something that will benefit the team as a whole.

"This is another challenge for me. I am sure the manager is looking long-term, so it is something I am having to adjust to.

"I am enjoying it and I am willing to learn but the good thing is he has not just thrown me in there and expected me to adapt straightaway.

"He has given me time to adjust and it is nice to come out without any pressure."